LeBron James’ company, Uninterrupted Inc., has filed to trademark the phrase “Shut Up and Dribble” with the United States Trademark and Patent Office earlier this week, per USA Today.
The phrase would be used on such items as “downloadable virtual goods, namely, computer programs featuring footwear, clothing, headwear, eyewear, bags, sports bags, backpacks, sports equipment, art, toys, and accessories for use online and in online virtual worlds.” In addition to the aforementioned, the phrase would also be used for video, social media posts, and games which are all included in the filing.
The phrase sparked nationwide attention back in 2018 when Fox News reporter Laura Ingram told the Lakers star to “shut up and dribble” after he and Kevin Durant commented on climate change and spoke critically of then-President Donald Trump.
“The climate is hot,” James previously said. “The number one job in America, the appointed person is someone who doesn’t understand the people. And really don’t give a f— about the people.”
Ingram defended Trump on her show and said that James is “someone who gets paid $100 million a year to bounce a ball.”
“Keep the political comments to yourselves. Shut up and dribble,” she said.
If you still haven’t figured out why the protesting is going on. Why we’re acting as we are is because we are simply F-N tired of this treatment right here! Can we break it down for you any simpler than this right here???? 🤦🏾♂️. And to my people don’t worry I won’t stop until I see https://t.co/e4pJ0PvwJj
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 4, 2020
James responded to Ingram stating that he will be using his platform to give visibility on important topics: “I will not just shut up and dribble,” James said, per the Associated Press. “I get to sit up here and talk about what’s really important.”